Assembly, device for producing an assembly, and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (200), in particular a pneumatic tyre, comprising: a component (102); and a foam (108) which is attached to the component (102) by applying a precursor of the foam (108) to the component (102) and converting the precursor in order to thereby produce the foam (108); wherein the foam (108) has an open-pored surface which faces away from the component (102). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the assembly (200) and to a production device.

Description

[0001] Assembly, device for producing an assembly and method

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of components comprising a foam.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] It is known in practice to glue a polyurethane foam body into a pneumatic tire in order to provide a pneumatic tire with reduced rolling noise.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] In view of the situation described above, there may be a need for a technique which allows to provide a component comprising a foam and a method for its manufacture with improved characteristics.

[0008] This need can be addressed by the independent claims. Some advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein, a method is provided. According to one embodiment of the first aspect, a method is provided, comprising: applying a precursor of a foam to a component; converting the precursor to thereby produce the foam; and in particular, removing a surface region of the foam.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein, an assembly is provided.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, an assembly is provided, the assembly comprising: a component; a foam which is attached to the component by applying a precursor of the foam to the component and transferring the precursor to thereby produce the foam; in particular, wherein the foam has an open-pore surface facing away from the component.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein, a production apparatus for producing an assembly is provided.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the third aspect, a production device for producing an assembly is provided, the production device comprising: a receptacle for holding a component; an application device for applying a precursor of a foam to the component, which is held by the receptacle; in particular, a removal device for removing a surface region of the foam that was formed from the precursor.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein, a container is provided. According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect, a container is provided having a predetermined feature, wherein the predetermined feature controls operation of a production device according to the third aspect.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein, a precursor for a foam is provided.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the fifth aspect, a precursor for a foam is provided, the precursor having a predetermined feature which is identifiable by a production device according to the third aspect, wherein the predetermined feature controls an operation of the production device.

[0017] According to a sixth aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein, a computer program product is provided.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the sixth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising a program element which, when executed on a processor device, is configured to control a method according to the first aspect.

[0019] DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Although certain disadvantages of prior technologies are mentioned herein, the claimed subject matter is not intended to be limited to implementations that overcome some or all of the noted disadvantages of the prior technologies. Furthermore, although certain advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein are mentioned or implied in the present disclosure, the claimed subject matter is not intended to be limited to implementations that have some or all of those advantages.

[0021] A method according to the first aspect comprises, according to one embodiment, applying a precursor of a foam to a component. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the method comprises converting the precursor to thereby produce the foam. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the method comprises removing a surface region of the foam.

[0022] According to one embodiment, an assembly according to the second aspect comprises a component. According to another embodiment, the assembly comprises a foam material that is attached to the component, in particular by applying a precursor of the foam material to the component and transferring the precursor material to thereby produce the foam material. According to another embodiment, the foam material has an open-pore surface facing away from the component.

[0023] According to one embodiment, a production device according to the third aspect comprises a receptacle for holding a component. According to another embodiment, the production device comprises an application device for applying a precursor of a foam to the component, which is held by the receptacle. According to another embodiment, the production device comprises a removal device for removing a surface region of the foam that was formed from the precursor.

[0024] According to one embodiment, a container according to the fourth aspect comprises a predetermined feature that is identifiable by a production device according to the third aspect. According to another embodiment, the predetermined feature controls an operation of the production device. According to one embodiment, a precursor according to the fifth aspect has a predetermined feature that is identifiable by a production device according to the third aspect. According to another embodiment, the predetermined feature controls an operation of the production device.

[0025] According to one embodiment, a computer program product according to the sixth aspect comprises a program element. According to another embodiment, the program element is configured to control a method according to the first aspect when executed on a processor device.

[0026] It is noted that a reference to an aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein naturally also includes a reference to one or more embodiments of the aspect. For example, a reference to a method according to the first aspect also includes a reference to a method according to at least one embodiment of the first aspect. For example, the statement that a predetermined feature of a container controls operation of a production device according to the third aspect includes embodiments according to which the container is designed according to one or more embodiments of the fourth aspect and / or according to which the production device is designed according to one or more embodiments of the third aspect.

[0027] At least some of the aspects and embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein are based on the idea that a characteristic of a component comprising a foam, or a method for its production, can be improved by producing the foam directly at the desired location on the component. This particularly applies in the case where the component is a pneumatic tire, and the foam is to be placed within the pneumatic tire, for example, to provide a pneumatic tire with reduced running noise.

[0028] According to one embodiment, a method according to the first aspect provides an open-pore foam surface. In other words, a foam surface produced according to the first aspect does not have a foam skin in an area where the surface region has been removed, as typically occurs during the conversion of a foam precursor.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the method according to the first aspect is a method for adjusting an acoustic characteristic of a component.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the surface area of ​​the foam (which was created in the component by converting the precursor) comprises a foam skin, which was created during the conversion of the precursor. By removing the surface area comprising the foam skin, a foam surface is achieved that is more open-pored than the foam skin. In this way, sound waves that impinge on the foam penetrate into the pores of the foam, where their intensity is reduced, for example, through multiple reflection and absorption and / or friction.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the surface region is removed by means of a laser beam. Consequently, according to one embodiment, the open-pored surface of the foam is a laser-machined surface. According to a further embodiment, the ablation device is a laser device which is configured to emit a laser beam onto the foam in order to thereby ablate the surface region of the foam with the laser beam. Removal by means of a laser beam allows cost-effective and rapid removal of the surface region. The removal of the surface region by means of a laser beam can, for example, be carried out by ablating the surface region. During ablation, an angle of incidence of the laser beam on the foam (i.e. an angle between the foam (or the foam skin) and the laser beam) can be relatively large, for example between 60 degrees and 90 degrees.According to one embodiment, removal of the surface area is carried out by mechanical processing of the surface area, for example by milling.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the surface area is removed by cutting off the surface area, for example, by cutting off the surface area using a laser beam. During laser beam cutting, the laser beam is guided in a plane corresponding to the desired cutting plane. According to a further embodiment, the surface area is cut off using a knife.

[0033] According to one embodiment, for example, depending on the material of the foam and / or its volume fraction of the pores, at least one

[0034] Laser parameters can be adjusted to ensure that the surface area is ablated in the desired manner. According to one embodiment, the laser is a CO2 laser. According to another embodiment, the laser is a fiber laser. According to another embodiment, the laser is operated continuously (continuous wave (cw) mode). According to another embodiment, the laser is operated in pulsed mode. According to one embodiment, the laser is operated with a relatively low power density, for example with a power of 20 W on a round spot with a diameter of 300 pm. According to another embodiment, the laser is focused with a power of 200 W on a round spot with a diameter of 1 mm or, according to another embodiment, with a power of 1.8 kW on a round spot with a diameter of 3 mm.Of course, according to another embodiment, a different spot shape can be used instead of a round spot, for example a rectangular spot. According to one embodiment, a laser with a short Rayleigh length is used, for example with a Rayleigh length of less than 2 mm or less than 1.5 mm. With a short Rayleigh length, when the laser beam is focused on the position of the foam skin, the power density decreases with increasing material removal, thereby preventing damage to the foam. If the foam surface moves out of focus due to the removal, the power density decreases, so that the removal occurs more slowly with increasing depth. However, according to other embodiments, larger Rayleigh lengths, for example > 10 mm, are also possible. In this case, the removal depth is set (for example predominantly) by the processing time.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the removal of the surface region may be carried out by any other suitable process, for example by water jet cutting, by cutting with a knife, by milling, etc.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the foam precursor is liquid. According to another embodiment, the viscosity of the precursor is configured to support application of the precursor to the component in the desired manner within a predetermined processing temperature range.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the foam is a two-component foam. According to one embodiment, the precursor is produced from two or more components before being applied to the component. For example, the two or more components can be mixed before being applied to the component, for example in a mixing head. According to one embodiment, a high-pressure mixing head is used to produce the precursor. According to a further embodiment, the mixing head is further configured to apply the precursor to the component. According to a further embodiment, the foam is a one-component foam. A one-component foam can facilitate the application of the precursor because the mixing of two or more components is eliminated.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the foam is a polyurethane foam.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the foam is applied to the component in strip form, for example by an application device disclosed herein. In other words, according to one embodiment, the foam has an elongated shape, i.e. an extension of the foam in a longitudinal direction is greater than an extension of the foam in a transverse extension that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. According to a further embodiment, after removal of the surface region, a surface of the foam is irregularly shaped. By applying the foam in strips and / or giving it an irregular surface, a surface area of ​​the foam can be increased, whereby sound absorption by the foam can be improved. Furthermore, by applying the foam in strips and / or giving it an irregular surface, sound reflection at the surface of the foam can be reduced.Furthermore, absorption can be increased by an enlarged surface (due to striped application and irregular surface).

[0040] According to one embodiment, the foam exhibits traces of laser processing after the removal of the surface region. For example, according to one embodiment, the foam exhibits melted and resolidified foam material on its surface. For example, the foam may exhibit substantially spherical material portions on its surface. According to another embodiment, the foam exhibits charred foam material on its surface. Both charred foam material and melted and resolidified foam material can change, in particular improve, a characteristic of the foam (e.g., sound absorption).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the component has a surface roughness, wherein the surface roughness comprises depressions in a surface of the component. According to another embodiment, the foam extends into the depressions.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the foam forms a positive connection and / or a material connection with the component. For the purposes of the present disclosure, a material connection refers to a connection that exists due to a chemical reaction between the materials being joined together and / or that exists due to adhesion between the materials being joined together. For the purposes of the present disclosure, a positive connection refers to a connection that exists due to the shape of the surfaces of the materials being joined together.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the component has a surface, and the foam is positively connected to the surface. For example, the foam, which extends into depressions in the surface (for example, the depressions in the surface roughness), can form a positive connection with the depressions in the surface roughness. Furthermore, the foam can (for example, alternatively or additionally) form a materially bonded connection with the surface of the component. According to one embodiment, the component is a pneumatic tire, for example a tire of a motor vehicle, for example a car or a truck. According to a further embodiment, the foam is configured to provide a pneumatic tire with reduced rolling noise. In other words, according to one embodiment, the foam is configured to dampen sound within the pneumatic tire.For example, according to one embodiment, the foam is an open-pored foam (i.e., the pores of the foam are interconnected). The open-poredness of a foam allows sound waves to penetrate deep into the foam, which improves the attenuation of the sound waves. Reduced rolling noise is particularly advantageous for modern vehicles with low noise emissions from their drive (such as electric vehicles). According to one embodiment, the foam is configured to reduce sound in a specific frequency range. In other words, the perception of reduced rolling noise does not require the attenuation of sound of every wavelength; rather, it is often sufficient to reduce (i.e., dampen) sound in one or more ranges of the frequency spectrum.

[0044] According to a further embodiment, the foam is arranged inside the pneumatic tire (i.e. in a cavity formed by the pneumatic tire). For example, according to one embodiment, the foam is arranged on a surface part of the pneumatic tire which faces away from a tread of the pneumatic tire. According to a further embodiment, the foam is arranged on a tire sidewall (on the inner surface of the tire sidewall). According to one embodiment, the foam fills only a part of the cavity of the pneumatic tire. For example, according to one embodiment, the foam fills less than 50% of the cavity of the pneumatic tire, or, according to another embodiment, less than 40%, less than 30% or even less than 20%. According to a further embodiment, the foam is arranged in the tire shoulder. According to one embodiment, the surface region of the foam is removed along a processing path.According to one embodiment, the machining path has a directional component parallel to a tire rotation axis of the pneumatic tire.

[0045] According to a further embodiment, the foam can form a positive connection with the surface of the tire, so that movement of the foam towards the tire's axis of rotation is prevented. For example, the foam can be annularly closed in the circumferential direction. In particular, in the case that the foam is arranged on a surface of the pneumatic tire facing away from the tread, movement of the foam towards the tire's axis of rotation (i.e., radially inward) would require compression of the foam, whereby the foam is held in contact with the surface and thereby secured to the surface. According to one embodiment, the foam can also be under compressive stress. Due to the compressive stress, the attachment of the foam to the component (e.g., the positive connection, as described above) can be more reliable.The compressive stress can occur, for example, by converting the precursor (for example by foaming the precursor with simultaneous polymerization of the precursor).

[0046] Consequently, a positive connection according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein can be achieved both by positive engagement with parts of the surface portion of the component on which the foam is produced (for example, with depressions or a surface roughness), and by positive engagement of a coherent foam element formed from the foam with a shape of the component (for example, with a closed, annular surface of the component). According to one embodiment, to remove the surface region of the foam, the laser beam is moved over the surface region (for example, at least partially scanned—i.e., the movement of the laser beam is at least partially achieved by moving at least one movable mirror of a scanner). For example, according to one embodiment, the laser beam can be scanned parallel to the tire's axis of rotation while the tire is rotated about the tire's axis of rotation.According to another embodiment, the laser beam (without a scanner) is moved in the direction of the tire's rotational axis while the tire is rotated about the rotational axis. According to one embodiment, this creates a helical machining track on the surface area, with the surface area being removed along the machining track.

[0047] Further embodiments for achieving the helical machining track can be implemented, for example, according to WO 2020 / 169579 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. According to one embodiment, the movement of the laser beam in the direction of the tire axis is achieved at least partially by an actuator arrangement that moves the removal device and the tire relative to each other in the direction of the tire axis.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the component is cleaned before applying the precursor. This can improve the adhesion of the foam to the component. Particularly in the case of a pneumatic tire, the cleaning can remove a production-related release agent on the surface of the tire. For example, the cleaning can be carried out as described in international patent application WO 2020 / 169579 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the component is not cleaned over the entire surface part that is to be equipped with foam, but only in sections. In other words, according to one embodiment, the component is not cleaned over the entire surface part of the component that is to be equipped with the foam. In the only partially cleaned surface part of the component, according to one embodiment, the foam can be applied over the entire surface part (whereby the foam also extends over uncleaned sections of the surface part). According to a further embodiment, in the only partially cleaned surface part of the component, the foam is only produced in the cleaned sections of the surface part. Consequently, the foam has gaps in the surface part of the component.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the surface area of ​​the foam that is removed extends over only a portion of the foam's surface. The surface of the foam refers here to the free surface, i.e., the area not covered by the component.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the foam comprises a flame retardant. This prevents the foam from burning during laser processing. Furthermore, a flame retardant can enable laser processing with higher power density. Furthermore, a flame retardant can enable better extraction, particularly since ignition of the foam can be prevented despite the increased oxygen supply through the extraction. According to one embodiment, the foam comprises a flame retardant, particularly when using a fiber laser.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the foam (or the precursor) is configured to increase the foam skin's ability to absorb laser radiation compared to the underlying foam. This can enable selective removal of the foam skin by laser processing. According to one embodiment, the foam has at least two layers with different characteristics. Different characteristics can include, for example, the foam material, pore size, the proportion of pore volume to the total volume of the foam, the foam density, the foam's absorption properties, in particular sound absorption properties or laser radiation absorption capacity, etc.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the at least two layers can be arranged one above the other. For example, according to one embodiment, a first layer of foam is arranged between the component and a second layer of foam. Such a configuration can be produced, for example, by applying a precursor for the first layer of foam to the component, transferring the precursor for the first layer to produce the first layer of foam, and then applying a precursor for the second layer of foam to the component and transferring the precursor for the second layer of foam to produce the second layer of foam.According to one embodiment, prior to applying the second layer of foam, a surface region of the foam of the first layer of foam (in particular a foam skin of the first layer of foam) can be removed, in particular according to the embodiments and examples disclosed herein. According to a further embodiment, the precursor for the second layer of foam is applied at a time at which the precursor of the second layer prevents the formation of a foam skin between the first and second layers of foam or dissolves an already formed foam skin. According to a further embodiment, a gradient of at least one of the characteristics of the resulting foam can be created by continuously changing the composition of the applied precursor. According to a further embodiment, the at least two layers of foam are arranged next to one another.For example, a first layer of foam is arranged on the component, and a second layer of foam is arranged adjacent to the first layer of foam on the component. According to one embodiment, the first layer of foam can touch the second layer of foam. According to another embodiment, the first layer of foam and the second layer of foam can be arranged at a distance from one another.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the at least two layers of foam (e.g., the first layer of foam and the second layer of foam) are collectively referred to as "foam" within the meaning of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the foam has a surface structure (also referred to herein as a secondary structure to distinguish the surface structure from a shape of the foam that is determined by the component and is also referred to herein as the primary structure). The surface structure of the foam allows the surface area of ​​the foam to be enlarged compared to a foam without a surface structure and / or an orientation of the surface and / or an orientation of parts of the surface to be changed or defined. In this way, properties of the foam can be changed or adjusted.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the precursor is liquid. According to another embodiment, the precursor is pasty. According to a further embodiment, the precursor is thixotropic (with a viscosity that depends on the shear stress acting on the precursor). By adjusting the viscosity of the precursor, the geometry of the foam or the method of production of the foam can be influenced or adjusted. In particular, in the case of a shape-retaining precursor that retains the shape in which the precursor was applied to the component at least until the precursor is converted, the shape of the foam can be defined by the shaping of the precursor. For example, beads of the precursor placed one on top of the other are possible, whereby a wave shape of the foam can be achieved.With a more fluid precursor, it can, for example, be applied to the center of a pneumatic tire, with the precursor running in an axial direction (in a direction parallel to the tire's rotation axis) (away from the center of the tire) during a waiting time, and with the layer thickness becoming thinner starting from the point of application (e.g., the center of the tire). With a very fluid precursor, for example, a smooth and even surface can be achieved. With a very fluid precursor and rotation of the tire during application, for example, an even distribution and a nearly homogeneous layer thickness in the tire can be achieved.

[0057] In general, according to one embodiment, the application of the precursor can comprise at least one of the following: application with a predetermined waiting time until the precursor has reacted (in this way, depending on the viscosity of the precursor, distribution of the precursor can occur by flowing under the action of gravitational and / or centrifugal force); application with movement of the component before the precursor has reacted, for example, moving the component during the introduction of the precursor (in this way, distribution of the precursor on a surface of the component can be improved); application of the precursor with a predetermined shape, in particular with a varying layer thickness of the precursor (in this way, distribution of the precursor can be controlled in a targeted manner); etc.According to one embodiment, the application device is configured to apply the precursor according to the embodiments described herein.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the surface area of ​​the foam is removed before the formation of the foam is fully completed. Furthermore, for example, the surface area of ​​the foam can be removed before the foam has fully reacted (i.e., before the precursor is fully consumed and / or the foam has reached its final shape). According to one embodiment, converting the precursor into the foam comprises foaming the foam. According to one embodiment, converting the precursor into the foam comprises curing the foam.

[0059] For example, according to one embodiment, the surface region of the foam may be removed before the foam is fully cured, but for example after the foam is fully foamed.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the surface area of ​​the foam is removed after the formation of the foam is completely completed. According to another embodiment, the surface area of ​​the foam is removed after the foam has completely cured.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the removal of the surface region is detected, for example by a detection device, and if the removal of the surface region is at least not yet complete, the surface region is reprocessed to completely remove the surface region. The reprocessing of the surface region until the surface region is completely removed can be carried out iteratively according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, a tolerance range for complete removal can be specified, for example 80% to 100%, so that removal of the surface region is considered complete if the degree of removal of the surface region lies within the tolerance range. According to one embodiment, it can be provided that the removal of the surface region is detected during removal (in situ detection).According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that the removal of the surface region is first carried out, for example according to a specified or selected parameter set, and that the removal of the surface region is subsequently detected.

[0062] The distance of the surface area can be detected, for example, using a light-section sensor that detects a surface profile of the component. Furthermore, the distance of the surface area can be detected, for example, using a camera. Furthermore, the distance of the surface area can be detected by analyzing the reflectivity of the component and / or by X-ray fluorescence measurements. Furthermore, the distance of the surface area can be detected by analyzing acoustic properties (e.g., reflection of ultrasound) of a surface of the foam. Accordingly, the detection device can comprise at least one of a light-section sensor, a camera, a reflection measuring device, an X-ray fluorescence measuring device, and an ultrasonic sensor.According to one embodiment, the production device comprises a control device for controlling the removal device based on the detection of the removal of the surface area.

[0063] As explained herein, according to one embodiment, the production device comprises a receptacle for holding the component. For example, according to one embodiment, the receptacle is configured to hold a pneumatic tire. For example, the receptacle can be configured to grip the pneumatic tire in its bead area and thereby hold the pneumatic tire. According to one embodiment, the receptacle is rotatable, thereby rotating the component held by the receptacle.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the production device comprises a sensor device for detecting a predetermined feature. According to another embodiment, the production device comprises a control device, wherein the control device is configured to control an operation of the production device depending on the predetermined feature, for example, depending on the presence of the predetermined feature.

[0065] For example, the predetermined feature can be a feature of the container containing the precursor product. Furthermore, the predetermined feature can be a feature of the precursor product itself, for example. In this way, the production device can check whether the precursor product is suitable for processing in the production device. Damage to the production device and / or the component can be avoided in this way. For example, according to one embodiment, it can be provided (or the production device can be configured so) that laser parameters of the laser device are automatically adjusted depending on the predetermined feature. The automatic adjustment of the laser parameters of the laser device can be carried out, for example, by the control device.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the predetermined feature is at least one of the following: (i) a predetermined surface contour; (ii) a signaling device for emitting a predetermined electromagnetic signal; (iii) a predetermined ingredient in the precursor product. The signaling device can, for example, have characteristic electrical or magnetic properties. Furthermore, the signaling device can, for example, be a device that, upon receiving electromagnetic radiation from the production device, transmits a predetermined feature back to the production device via radio. For example, the signaling device can be an RFID device. The predetermined ingredient in the precursor product can, for example, be a dye. Furthermore, the predetermined ingredient in the precursor product can be a predetermined material that provides a characteristic response signal to the radiation of an electromagnetic wave.For example, the predetermined material may have a characteristic absorption spectrum.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the program element of the computer program product is a non-transient program element. According to another embodiment, the computer program product is a non-transient computer program product.

[0068] As used herein, reference to a computer program product comprising a program element is considered equivalent to reference to a computer program comprising a program element and / or a computer-readable medium comprising a program element. According to one embodiment, the program element comprises instructions for controlling a processor device (having one or more microprocessors, e.g., a computer system) to effect and / or coordinate the execution of at least one method described herein.

[0069] The (non-transient) program element may be implemented as computer-readable instruction code using any suitable programming language, such as JAVA, C#, Python, etc., and may be stored on a computer-readable medium (removable disk, volatile or non-volatile memory, embedded memory / processor, etc.). According to one embodiment, the instruction code is executable for programming a computer or any other programmable processor device to perform the intended functions. The computer program may be available on a network, such as the World Wide Web, from which it may be downloaded, for example.

[0070] The subject matter disclosed herein can be implemented at least partially by means of a computer program product (program element) or software. However, the subject matter disclosed herein can also be implemented at least partially by one or more specific electronic circuits or hardware. Furthermore, the subject matter disclosed herein can also be implemented at least partially in hybrid form, i.e., in a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0071] According to one embodiment, one or more of the control devices disclosed herein may comprise a processor device configured to execute a program element disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, one or more of the control devices disclosed herein may be implemented by a single control device.

[0072] Unless otherwise stated, numerical values ​​are to be understood as including a ±5% window. For example, a specification of 20 W according to one embodiment includes a power within an interval of (20 W ± 5%) = [19 W; 21 W], and a percentage of, for example, 50% according to one embodiment includes a percentage within an interval of 50% ± 5% = [47.5%; 52.5%]. According to a further embodiment, numerical values ​​are to be understood as including a ±10% window.

[0073] According to embodiments of the first aspect, the method is configured to provide the functionality of one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein and / or to provide the functionality required for one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, in particular the embodiments of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect and / or the sixth aspect.

[0074] According to embodiments of the second aspect, the assembly is configured to provide the functionality of one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein and / or to provide the functionality required for one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, in particular the embodiments of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect and / or the sixth aspect.

[0075] According to embodiments of the third aspect, the production device is configured to provide the functionality of one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein and / or to provide the functionality required for one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, in particular the embodiments of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect and / or the sixth aspect.

[0076] According to embodiments of the fourth aspect, the container is configured to provide the functionality of one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein and / or to provide the functionality required for one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, in particular the embodiments of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect and / or the sixth aspect.

[0077] According to embodiments of the fifth aspect, the precursor product is configured to provide the functionality of one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein and / or to provide the functionality required for one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, in particular the embodiments of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect and / or the sixth aspect.

[0078] According to embodiments of the sixth aspect, the computer program product is configured to provide the functionality of one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein and / or to provide the functionality required for one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, in particular the embodiments of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect and / or the sixth aspect.

[0079] Exemplary implementations of the subject matter disclosed herein include, in particular, the embodiments and combinations of embodiments described below:

[0080] 1. Method comprising:

[0081] Applying a precursor of a foam to a component; moving the precursor to thereby produce the foam; in particular removing a surface area of ​​the foam.

[0082] 2. The process according to embodiment 1, wherein the surface region of the foam comprises a foam skin which was formed during the reaction of the precursor.

[0083] 3. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the removal of the surface region is carried out by means of a laser beam.

[0084] 4. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the component is a pneumatic tire. 5. An assembly comprising: a component; a foam secured to the component by applying a precursor of the foam to the component and converting the precursor to thereby produce the foam; in particular, wherein the foam has an open-pore surface facing away from the component.

[0085] 6. The assembly of embodiment 5, wherein the component has a surface roughness, and wherein the surface roughness comprises depressions in a surface of the component; wherein the foam extends into the depressions.

[0086] 7. The assembly of any of embodiments 5 or 6, wherein the open-pore surface is a laser-machined surface.

[0087] 8. The assembly of any of embodiments 5 to 7, wherein the component is a pneumatic tire.

[0088] 9. The assembly according to any one of embodiments 5 to 8, wherein the component has a surface; the foam is positively connected to the surface.

[0089] 10. Production device for producing an assembly, the production device comprising: a holder for holding a component; an application device for applying a pre-product of a foam to the component, which is held by the holder; and in particular a removal device for removing a

[0090] Surface area of ​​the foam formed from the precursor. 11. The production device according to embodiment 10, wherein the ablation device is a laser device configured to emit a laser beam onto the foam, thereby ablating the surface area of ​​the foam with the laser beam.

[0091] 12. Production device according to any of the embodiments 10 or

[0092] 11, further comprising a sensor device for detecting a predetermined feature; and a control device; wherein the control device is configured to control an operation of the production device depending on the predetermined feature.

[0093] 13. A container having a predetermined feature identifiable by a production device according to embodiment 12, wherein the predetermined feature controls operation of the production device.

[0094] 14. A container according to embodiment 13, wherein the predetermined feature is at least one of the following:

[0095] (i) a predetermined surface contour;

[0096] (ii) a signaling device for emitting a predetermined electromagnetic signal;

[0097] (iii) a predetermined ingredient in the precursor.

[0098] 15. A precursor for a foam, the precursor comprising a predetermined feature identifiable by a production device according to embodiment 12, wherein the predetermined feature controls operation of the production device. 16. A computer program product comprising a program element configured, when executed on a processor device, to control a method according to any of embodiments 1 to 4.

[0099] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein are described, for example, referring to a method, an assembly, a production device, a container, a precursor for a foam, and a computer program product. It should be emphasized that any combination of features of different aspects, embodiments, and examples is naturally possible. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to a method, while other embodiments are described with reference to a product (for example, a production device, a container, or a precursor). Yet other embodiments will be described with reference to a control device for interacting with elements of the production device.However, those skilled in the art will appreciate from the above and following description, claims, and drawings that, unless otherwise stated, features of various aspects, embodiments, and examples may be combined, and such combinations of features are to be considered as disclosed by this application. For example, even a feature relating to a method may be combined with a feature relating to a product, and vice versa.

[0100] According to one embodiment, a method disclosed herein may define the functionality of a device disclosed herein without being limited to the product-specific features. Therefore, any functionality disclosed herein of a product disclosed herein is intended to implicitly disclose a corresponding method defined exclusively by the disclosed functionality. Conversely, according to one embodiment, a method disclosed herein may be performed with any suitable known product (e.g., a device that may comprise a single element or multiple cooperating elements). Therefore, any method disclosed herein is intended to implicitly disclose a corresponding product configured to perform the method.

[0101] Further advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following exemplary description of currently preferred embodiments, to which the claimed invention is not limited, however. The individual figures of the drawings in this document are to be considered merely schematic and not to scale.

[0102] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0103] Fig. 1 shows a component on which a foam with an open-pore inner surface is to be produced according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0104] Fig. 2 shows a component to which a precursor of a foam is applied, according to embodiments of the subject matters disclosed herein.

[0105] Fig. 3 shows the component from Fig. 2 in a further process stage.

[0106] Fig. 4 shows an assembly according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0107] Fig. 5 shows a part of the assembly from Fig. 4 in an enlarged view.

[0108] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view through another assembly according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein. Fig. 7 schematically shows a production device according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0109] Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show further assemblies according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0110] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0111] The representation in the drawings is schematic. It is noted that in different figures, similar or identical elements or components are provided with the same reference numerals, or with reference numerals that differ only in the first digit. Such features or components that correspond to the corresponding features or components are indicated in the accompanying drawings.

[0112] Components in another figure which are the same or at least functionally equivalent are described in detail only at their first occurrence in the following text and the description is not repeated for subsequent occurrences of these features and components (or the corresponding reference numerals).

[0113] It is understood that an exemplary implementation of the elements described below and provided with reference numerals is shown in the relevant drawings and is configured according to the following description, unless otherwise stated.

[0114] 1 to 5 illustrate, in cross-sectional views, a method of manufacturing an assembly 100 according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0115] Fig. 1 shows a component 102 on which a foam with an open-pore inner surface is to be produced according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the component 102 is cleaned in a region 103 in which the open-pore foam is to be produced, for example, by means of laser radiation, which is schematically indicated at 105.

[0116] Fig. 2 shows the component 102 from Fig. 1, to which a precursor 104 of a foam (not shown in Fig. 2) is applied according to one embodiment. The application of the precursor 104 to the component 102 can, according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein, be carried out, for example, with a mixing head 106, which produces the precursor 104 by mixing two or more components and applies it to the component 102, for example as shown in Fig. 2. According to one embodiment, an actuator arrangement 107 is provided for moving the mixing head 106 and the component 102 relative to one another. According to one embodiment, the actuator arrangement 107 can be configured to move the mixing head 106, for example as shown in Fig. 2.

[0117] Fig. 3 shows the component 102 from Fig. 2 in a further process stage. According to one embodiment, after the precursor 104 was applied to the component 102, the precursor 104 was converted into the foam 108. According to one embodiment, the conversion comprises, in particular, foaming and curing. Typically, during the conversion of the precursor 104 into the foam 108, a foam skin 110 is formed, which is represented in Fig. 3 by a thick solid line. For acoustic applications in which sound waves are intended to penetrate the foam 108, the foam skin can be a hindrance, since it forms a closed surface which can at least partially disrupt or even prevent this penetration of sound waves into the foam 108.

[0118] According to one embodiment, after the precursor product has been transferred, a surface region 114 of the foam is removed using laser radiation, which is schematically indicated at 112 in Fig. 3. According to one embodiment, a laser device that is configured or configurable to emit the laser radiation 112 for removing the surface region 114 is the same laser device that is also configured or configurable to emit the laser radiation 105 for cleaning the component 102. According to one embodiment of a further embodiment, the laser device that is configured or configurable to emit the laser radiation 112 for removing the surface region 114 is different from a laser device that is configured or configurable to emit the laser radiation 105 for cleaning the component 102.

[0119] Fig. 4 shows the component 102 of Fig. 3 with the foam 108 produced thereon, wherein the surface region 114 has been removed. In other words, Fig. 4 shows an assembly 100 according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, removing the surface region 114 comprises removing the foam skin 110 in the area of ​​the surface region 114. As a result, the foam 108 has an open-pore surface 116 due to the removal of the foam skin 110 in the area of ​​the surface region 114.

[0120] Fig. 5 shows a portion of the assembly 100 from Fig. 4 in an enlarged view. According to one embodiment, the component 102 has a surface roughness 118, wherein the surface roughness has depressions 120, and wherein the foam 108 extends into the depressions 120, for example, as shown in Fig. 5.

[0121] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view through another assembly 200 according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the assembly 200 comprises a component 102 in the form of a pneumatic tire, which has a tread 122 and an inner surface 124 facing away from the tread 122. According to one embodiment, the inner surface 124 comprises a foam 108 according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the foam 108 is annularly closed and, due to the foaming, is subjected to compressive stress directly on the surface 124, so that for this reason alone, the foam 108 is connected to the component 102 by a positive connection. It is understood that the pneumatic tire typically also has a surface roughness into which the foam 108 extends, analogous to the illustration in Fig. 5. According to one embodiment, the foam 108 can also be arranged on an inner surface 126 of a tire sidewall 128 of the pneumatic tire.

[0123] Fig. 7 schematically shows a production device 130 according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the production device 130 has a receptacle 132 for holding a component 102, for example a pneumatic tire, for example as shown in Fig. 7. According to one embodiment, the production device 130 comprises an application device 106 for applying a precursor 104 to the component 102, for example as shown in Fig. 7. According to a further embodiment, the production device 130 has a removal device 134 in the form of a laser device for generating laser radiation 112 and thereby removing a surface region of a foam, as explained with reference to Fig. 3. According to one embodiment, the production device 130 has an actuator arrangement 135 for moving the laser radiation 112 relative to the component 102.The actuator arrangement 135 can, for example, be configured to move a scanning mirror of a scanner and / or to move the removal device 134 and the component 102 relative to one another. For example, according to one embodiment, the actuator arrangement 135 is configured to move the removal device 134, for example as shown in Fig. 7. The production device 130 further comprises a detection device 136 in the form of a light section sensor for detecting the removal of the surface region (not shown in Fig. 7). The detection device can be configured according to one embodiment to detect whether the surface region has been completely removed. For example, according to one embodiment, the removal of the surface region is assessed as complete when the surface of the foam is open-pored.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the production device 130 has a control device 138 which is configured to process the foam 108 again with the removal device 134 depending on data from the detection device 136 in order to thereby completely remove the surface area.

[0125] According to a further embodiment, the production device 130 comprises a container 140 containing the precursor product 104. According to one embodiment, the container 140 and / or the precursor product 104 has a predetermined feature. According to a further embodiment, the production device 130 comprises a sensor device 142 configured to detect the predetermined feature.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the control device 138 is configured to control the operation of the production device 130 depending on the predetermined feature, for example, by the control device 138 preventing the supply of the precursor product 104 to the application device 106, for example by blocking a supply line 144, if the container 140 and / or the precursor product 104 does not have the predetermined feature.

[0127] It is understood that, depending on the implemented embodiments, control device 138 is connected to the components of the production device in terms of signal transmission, for example, to the application device 106, to the removal device 134, to the detection device 136, to the sensor device 142, etc.

[0128] 8 and 9 show further assemblies 300, 400 according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the foam 108 is arranged in a structured manner (for example in strips, for example as shown in Fig. 8) on the component 102. For example, for this purpose, the precursor 104 can be applied in strips to the component 102 and then converted into the foam 108. Furthermore, the precursor 104 can be structured after being applied to the component (i.e. before the precursor is converted, in particular before the precursor is completely converted), for example by means of laser radiation. Furthermore, the foam can be structured (i.e. after the precursor has been converted), for example by means of laser radiation.

[0129] For example, the removal device 134 can be provided for structuring the precursor product 104 and / or the foam 108.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the surface region is a lateral surface region 214 of the foam, which delimits the foam in a direction parallel to the surface of the component 102. By removing the lateral surface region 214, a lateral open-pore surface 216 of the foam can be created, for example, as shown in Fig. 9. The removal of the lateral surface region 214 can be achieved, for example, by a laterally incident laser beam 212, for example, as shown in Fig. 9. Furthermore, the removal of the lateral surface region 214 (and thus the creation of the lateral open-pore inner surface 216) can be achieved by a laser beam 312, which ablates the lateral surface region 214 of the foam 108 into the depth (for example, down to the component 102, for example, as shown in Fig. 9).According to one embodiment, the foam 108 has an irregular, open-pore surface 116, for example, as shown in Fig. 9. An irregular surface can improve sound absorption by the foam 108. According to another embodiment, the irregular surface of the foam 108 on the component 102, for example, as shown in Fig. 9, is created by at least one of the following:

[0131] (i) using a laser device as the ablation device 134 and selecting suitable laser parameters of the ablation device 134 so that ablated material of the foam 108 interacts with the laser beam 112 and thereby causes an irregular intensity distribution within the laser beam;

[0132] (ii) Using a laser device as the ablation device 134 and moving the laser beam 112 through a scanning device (which may, for example, include at least one movable mirror for deflecting the laser beam)

[0133] (iii) Controlled movement of the removal device 134 with respect to the foam 108, for example by a suitable actuator arrangement, for example an actuator arrangement described herein, to thereby create the irregular surface of the foam 108.

[0134] It should be noted that an assembly or production device as described herein is not limited to the dedicated entities described in some embodiments. Rather, the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in numerous ways at various granularities while still providing the specific functionality disclosed.

[0135] According to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein, any suitable entity (e.g., components and devices) may be provided at least in part in the form of corresponding computer programs that enable a processor device to provide the functionality of the corresponding entity as described herein. According to other embodiments, any suitable entity as described herein may be provided in hardware. According to other, hybrid embodiments, some entities may be provided in software while other entities are provided in hardware.

[0136] It should be noted that each entity disclosed herein (e.g., components and devices) is not limited to a dedicated entity as described in some embodiments. Rather, the subject matter described herein may be provided in various ways with varying granularity at the device level or at the software module level while still providing the specified functionality. Further, it should be noted that, according to embodiments, a separate entity (e.g., a software module, a hardware module, or a hybrid module) may be provided for each of the functions disclosed herein. According to other embodiments, one entity (e.g., a software module, a hardware module, or a hybrid module) may be configured to provide two or more functions as described herein. According to still other embodiments, two or more entities (e.g.,Components, units and devices) may be configured to together provide a function as described herein.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the control device 138 includes a processor device 146, which has at least one processor for executing at least one program element disclosed herein, which may correspond to a corresponding software module and which, according to one embodiment, is stored in a memory device 148. A reference to laser radiation can, of course, also be defined analogously with reference to a radiation path of the laser radiation, and vice versa. In this respect, any reference to laser radiation herein analogously discloses a reference to a radiation path of the laser radiation.

[0138] It should be noted that the embodiments described herein represent only a limited selection of possible embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, it is possible to combine the features of various embodiments in a suitable manner, so that a person skilled in the art will consider a multitude of combinations of various embodiments to be disclosed with the embodiments explicitly disclosed here. Furthermore, it should be noted that terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Terms such as "containing" or "comprising" do not exclude further features or method steps. Consequently, according to one embodiment, the term "comprising" or "containing" stands for "among other things." According to another embodiment, the term "comprising" or "containing" stands for "consisting of."According to one embodiment, the term "configured for" includes, among other things, the meaning "configured to".

[0139] The term "in particular" refers herein to optional features in general.

[0140] The expression "A and / or B" usually always includes "only A", "only B", and also "A and B". In an expression referring to a list of features, "at least one" always includes the individual features as well as any combination of the features. For example, the expression "at least one of the features A and B" includes the feature "only A", "only B", and "A and B". Analogously, the expression "at least one of the features A or B" also includes the feature "only A", "only B", and "A and B". Analogously, the expression "at least one of the features A, B" also includes the feature "only A", "only B", and "A and B". It should also be noted that reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it should be noted that reference signs in the description and the description's reference to the drawings should not be construed as limiting the scope of the description.Rather, the drawings illustrate only one exemplary implementation of a particular combination of several embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein any other combination of embodiments is also possible and is to be considered as disclosed in this application.

[0141] In summary, it can be stated:

[0142] Disclosed is an assembly, in particular a pneumatic tire, comprising a component; and a foam material which is attached to the component by applying a precursor of the foam material to the component and transferring the precursor material to thereby produce the foam material. The foam material has an open-pore surface facing away from the component. Furthermore, a method for producing the assembly and a production device are disclosed.

Claims

Patent claims 1. An assembly (100) comprising: a component (102), in particular wherein the component (102) is a pneumatic tire; a foam (108) which is attached to the component (102) by applying a precursor (104) of the foam (108) to the component (102) and transferring the precursor (104) to thereby produce the foam (108); wherein the foam (108) has an open-pore surface which faces away from the component (102).

2. The assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the component (102) has a surface roughness, and wherein the surface roughness comprises depressions in a surface of the component (102); wherein the foam (108) extends into the depressions.

3. The assembly (100) of any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising at least one of the following features: the open-pore surface is a laser-machined surface; the open-pore surface is a surface produced by machining with a CO2 laser; the open-pore surface is a surface produced by machining with a cw laser; the open-pore surface is a surface produced by machining with a laser, the laser having a Rayleigh length of more than 10 mm.

4. The assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising at least one of the following features: the foam (108) is a two-component foam; the foam (108) is a polyurethane foam; the foam (108) forms a material-to-material connection with the component (102); the foam (108) is arranged on a surface portion of the pneumatic tire that faces away from a tread of the pneumatic tire; the foam (108) fills less than 20% of the cavity of the pneumatic tire; the foam (108) has traces of laser processing, in particular with a directional component parallel to a tire rotation axis of the pneumatic tire; the component was cleaned before the precursor was applied to the component, in particular by means of laser radiation, in particular wherein the cleaning of the component was carried out only on a part of the entire surface portion of the component that is to be provided with the foam; the foam (108) has a flame retardant;the foam (108) has a gradient of at least one of the characteristics of the foam (108); a layer thickness of the foam (108) becomes thinner starting from the center of the pneumatic tire; 5. The assembly (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the component (102) has a surface; the foam (108) is positively connected to the surface.

6. A production device (130) for producing an assembly (100), the production device (130) comprising: a receptacle for holding a component (102), in particular wherein the component (102) is a pneumatic tire; an application device (106) for applying a precursor (104) of a foam (108) to the component (102), which is held by the receptacle; and in particular a removal device (134) for removing a surface area of ​​the foam (108) which was formed from the precursor product.

7. The production apparatus (130) of claim 6, wherein the ablation device is a laser device configured to emit a laser beam onto the foam (108) to thereby ablate the surface area of ​​the foam (108) with the laser beam.

8. The production device (130) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, further comprising a sensor device (142) for detecting a predetermined feature; and a control device (138); wherein the control device (138) is configured to control operation of the production device (130) depending on the predetermined feature.

9. A container having a predetermined feature identifiable by a production device (130) according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined feature controls operation of the production device (130).

10. A container according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined feature is at least one of the following: (i) a predetermined surface contour; (ii) a signaling device for emitting a predetermined electromagnetic signal; (iii) a predetermined ingredient in the precursor.

11. Precursor for a foam (108), the precursor having a predetermined feature which is produced by a production device (130) is identifiable according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined feature controls operation of the production device (130).

12. Method comprising: Applying a precursor (104) of a foam to a component, in particular wherein the component (102) is a pneumatic tire; Converting the precursor (104) to thereby produce the foam (108); in particular removing a surface region of the foam (108), in particular to provide an open-pore surface of the foam.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the surface region of the foam (108) comprises a foam skin which was formed during the reaction of the precursor (104).

14. The method according to any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the removal of the surface region is carried out by means of a laser beam; in particular further comprising at least one of the following features: a laser for generating the laser beam is a CO2 laser; a laser for generating the laser beam is a cw laser; a laser for generating the laser beam has a Rayleigh length of more than 10 mm.

15. The method (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising at least one of the following features: the foam (108) is a two-component foam; the foam (108) is a polyurethane foam; the foam (108) forms a material-to-material connection with the component (102); the foam (108) is arranged on a surface portion of the pneumatic tire facing away from a tread of the pneumatic tire; the foam (108) fills less than 20% of the cavity of the pneumatic tire; the foam (108) has laser machining traces, in particular with a directional portion parallel to a tire rotation axis of the pneumatic tire; Cleaning the component (102) before applying the precursor product (104) to the component (102), in particular by means of laser radiation, in particular wherein the cleaning of the component (102) takes place only on a part of the entire surface part of the component (102) which is to be provided with the foam; the foam (108) has a flame retardant; the foam (108) has a gradient of at least one of the characteristics of the foam (108).

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, further comprising at least one of the following features: the precursor (104) is liquid; the precursor (104) is applied in the center of the pneumatic tire, wherein the precursor (104) travels away from the center of the tire in a direction parallel to the tire rotation axis during a waiting time, and wherein a layer thickness becomes thinner away from the center of the tire; Rotating the tire during application of the precursor (104).

17. A computer program product comprising a program element configured to, when executed on a processor device (146), control a method according to any one of claims 12 to 16.

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